Alex,
There's nothing particularly novel about the idea that serious freedom
fighters may become serious tyrants.
The question, from my point of view, is: is national and anti-colonial
struggle, at certain determinate moments of history, a necessary
prerequisite to internationalist socialism? And, further, what is the
responsibility of the internationalist socialist from the imperialist
country or part of the world toward the (however inadequate, but
nonetheless factual) nationalist movement.
And, by the way, the lovely old left distinction between "advocating
nationalism" and "advocating the right to self-determination" is one
which has covered innumerable sins. If someone has the right to
self-determination, you don't turn around and tell her, when she seeks
it, oh, but I don't support you.
Kenny Mostern
UC-Berkeley Ethnic Studies Graduate Group
Against: racism, sexism, homophobia, capitalism, militarism
For: the truth--and the funk!
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